Examined feasibility and acceptability of home HIVST on a bi-weekly basis. Participants were shown how to self-test using Alere Determine HIV 1/2 Ag/Ab Assay.

Summary of findings

83.2% indicated they tested for HIV periodically, however only 21.7% tested every 3 months. 56% said they preferred HIVST to clinic-based testing. 96% reported that they were comfortable doing a fingerstick self-test and 97% were comfortable self-testing every 2 weeks. 91% said they would be comfortable testing with partners. 154/161 initiated self-testing. 90% were successful in completing the bi-weekly test in 1st month of study. Only 1 participant found HIVST too complicated and only tested in clinic. With 310 person months of study follow-up, 2 participants became HIV-infected for an annual incidence of 3.86. Both participants were linked to care.

Acceptability

n/a

Acceptability details

When asked if they were comfortable with testing every 2 weeks, 70.4% strongly agreed and 26.4% agreed. When asked if they were comfortable with doing a finger stick every 2 weeks, 65.8% strongly agreed and 31.1% agreed. Almost all (90.0%) agreed they would be comfortable testing partners at home.

Willingness to pay

n/a

Willingness to pay details

n/a

Sensitivity

n/a

Specificity

n/a

Concordance

n/a

HIV positivity

1.2% (2/161)

Accuracy details

n/a

Social harm

n/a

Linkage to prevention, care and treatment

Two participants became HIV infected for an annualized incidence of 3.86 (0.479.74). Both were linked to care.